Barbie is turning 50
In 1959, a doll of anatomically impossible proportions named Barbie was introduced to the public. Although Barbie has been called an anti-feminist icon, blamed for causing eating disorders and was even called “filth” by a Christian group, there is no question that Barbie has become a cultural icon. (I suppose one hasn’t arrived until one has been called “filth” by a fundamentalist Christian group, so go Barbie!)
Barbie is also about to turn 50, which means that even our mothers and some of our grandmothers used to perform amputations on her and giggle while placing her in dirty poses with Ken (or with other Barbies).
To celebrate this upcoming milestone, I have compiled some side by side comparisons of Barbie and other cultural icons who have recently turned 50. Enjoy.
Barbie Madonna
Had a best friend named “Midge“
Occasionally goes by “Madge”
First had a bellybutton in 2000
Bellybutton named the “most incredible” music celebrity body part by Spin Magazine in 2005
Lacks genitalia
Had a hit called “Like a Virgin”
Barbie
Ellen DeGeneres
Came in an edition designed by Oscar de la Renta
Hosted the Oscars in 2007
Initially sold for $3 in 1959
Had a net worth of $65 million in 2007
Rides a Porsche
Oh, get your mind out of the gutter
What adventures will Barbie embark on in the next 50 years? Although Ken and Barbie have gotten back together after a brief time apart, Ken virtually admitted he was a friend of Dorothy.. Perhaps Barbie can run off with Midge to raise their 21 dogs, 12 horses, three ponies, six cats, parrot, chimpanzee, panda, lion cub, giraffe and zebra together.